You're spot on. It's all about laying down the groundwork, ain't it? When I started with Bitcoin, my goal was to create a system that could run on its own - like fire you can't put out. Set up the code (the dry wood), get people interested (the kindling), and then let it catch (light the spark).
Life's full of these protocols, rules we follow to make stuff happen. Find what drives ya and set up your own 'fire'. For me, it was about giving power back to the folks using money – a financial system they control directly.
Keep stackin' your wood and tending your flames!